Protective layers for dry application to protected surfaces, installation assemblies and kits including the layers, devices protected with the layers, and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A protective film includes an adhesive material configured for “dry” application to a surface that is to be protected, such as the surface of an electronic device. An installation assembly that includes the protective film is configured to minimize or eliminate contact with the protective film as it is applied to the surface that is to be protected. Methods for manufacturing a protective film and an installation assembly that includes the protective film may be effected in contaminant-free conditions. Methods for applying the protective film are also disclosed, as are device (e.g., electronic devices, etc.) with at least one surface covered with a protective film.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.provisional application No. 61/357,427 filed Jun. 22, 2011, entitledPROTECTIVE FILMS FOR DRY APPLICATION TO PROTECTED SURFACES, INSTALLATIONASSEMBLIES AND KITS INCLUDING THE FILMS, DEVICES PROTECTED WITH THEFILMS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, and to U.S. provisional application No.61/357,972 filed Jun. 23, 2011, entitled PROTECTIVE FILMS FOR DRYAPPLICATION TO PROTECTED SURFACES, INSTALLATION ASSEMBLIES AND KITSINCLUDING THE FILMS, DEVICES PROTECTED WITH THE FILMS, AND ASSOCIATEDMETHODS, the entire disclosures of each of which are, by this reference,hereby incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to films for protecting surfacesand, more specifically, to protective films that may be applied tosurfaces that are to be protected, such as the surfaces of devices(e.g., electronic devices, etc.), using substantially dry processes. Thepresent invention also relates to processes for manufacturing dry-applyprotective films for application to surfaces that are to be protectedand to methods for applying protective films to surfaces that are to beprotected.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

A variety of different types of films have been developed to protectsurfaces that are prone to scratching, such as the monitors or displaysof portable electronic devices, the crystals of watches, and the like.Such films include plastic films that electrostatically adhere tosurfaces, films including surfaces that have been coated withpressure-sensitive adhesives, and films that are more permanently bondedto surfaces that are to be protected.

Electrostatically adhering films tend to peel away from the surfacesthey are intended to protect, leaving the surface with an unsightlyappearance and providing less-than-desirable protection.

Case-mate of Tucker, Ga., recently announced the launch of a protectivefilm it calls GO BARE. The GO BARE protective film is coated with apressure-sensitive adhesive. Case-mate refers to the adhesive-coated GOBARE protective film as “the first solution-free protective film.”According to Case-mate's press releases, the GO BARE protective filmpurportedly provides “quick application—no sprays, no drying time—it'sapplied with your thumb and can be removed and manipulated.” Further,Case-mate claims that applicators “have the option to apply, reapply,take off and manipulate the film as many times as needed.”

Nonetheless, the GO BARE protective film is configured to be applied bya technique that results in the introduction of contaminants (oil, dirt,particulates, etc.) between the film and the surface that is to beprotected. Specifically, one must grasp the edges of the GO BAREprotective film to apply the same to a surface that is to be protected.Contamination of the edges of the GO BARE protective film and portionsof its pressure-sensitive adhesive adjacent to the edges may result inprotection that is not aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the presence ofcontaminants on the pressure-sensitive adhesive may reduce adhesion ofsuch a film to the surface it is intended to protect.

Immediately following installation upon a protected surface, an oilyresidue may present itself on an exterior surface of the GO BAREprotective film. The oily residue resembles oils in a person's skin(e.g., the oils that may be left on a phone as a person talks on thephone, etc.) or a mineral oil. Although the residue may be removed, itsremoval presents an undesirable additional act in the application of theGO BARE protective film to a surface.

Moreover, the presence of the oily residue suggests that a fugitiveplasticizer may be present in the pressure-sensitive adhesive thatsecures the GO BARE protective film to a protected surface. Theinclusion of plasticizer in a pressure-sensitive adhesive increases itstack, but prevents repositioning of an improperly placed protectivelayer. Despite the increased tack imparted to the adhesive material bythe plasticizer, the GO BARE protective film moves laterally shortlyafter its application. Moreover, the inclusion of plasticizer in apressure-sensitive adhesive affects adhesion of the protective film tothe protected surface in the long term. In particular, migration ofplasticizer from the adhesive may cause the GO BARE protective film topeel away from a protected surface over time, particularly when appliedto corners or curved surfaces.

Permanently bonded films provide aesthetics and protection that aresuperior to the aesthetics and protection provided by protective filmsthat are secured to surfaces electrostatically or with apressure-sensitive adhesive. Nonetheless, they are secured to theprotected surface with chemicals that are initially wet. While the useof wet chemicals does not frequently, if ever, damage the device towhich a protective film is permanently bonded, their use may void anywarranty that covers a device, which may be problematic if the devicefails for any other reason.

SUMMARY

The present invention, in one aspect, includes protective films that areconfigured to be applied to surfaces that are to be protected,including, but not limited to, the surfaces of electronic devices thecrystals of watches, and other vulnerable surfaces that may benefit,aesthetically or otherwise, from protection. A protective film of thepresent invention may be configured to adhere to the surface that is tobe protected without the use of a so-called “wet” adhesive. Thus, invarious embodiments, an adhesion surface of a protective film of thepresent invention may be at least partially coated with an adhesive thatincludes pressure-sensitive properties. In addition to the adhesionsurface, the protective film includes an exterior surface, which may besubstantially free of adhesive.

A protective film of the present invention may be applied to one or moresurfaces of a device (e.g., an electronic device, etc.), such as asurface through which information or images are visible (e.g., thesurface of a monitor, or display or screen, that displays information orimages, etc.). When configured for use over a surface through whichinformation or images are to be viewed (e.g., over a monitor, or displayor screen, of an electronic device, etc.) a protective film of thepresent invention may be transparent. Protective films that areconfigured for application to other surfaces, including surfaces throughwhich information or images need not be viewed, may be transparent,translucent, or opaque, and may, in various embodiments, include one ormore decorative features that enhance the look of a surface of a deviceto which they are to be applied.

In another aspect, the present invention includes installationassemblies that enable a protective film to be applied to a surface of adevice with a pressure sensitive adhesive, or using a “dry-applyprocess,” without diminishing the aesthetics of the surface to which theprotective film is applied.

Broadly, an installation assembly of the present invention includes apolymer layer, which ultimately serves as the protective film on thesurface of the device, and an application liner. The application lineris superimposed over an exterior surface of the polymer layer. A portionof the application liner, which is referred to herein as a “peripheralregion” of the application liner, may extend laterally beyond an outeredge of the polymer layer. The peripheral region may be grasped by anindividual to enable orientation and application of the polymer layer toa surface that is to be protected, while minimizing or eliminating theneed to contact the polymer layer.

In a more specific embodiment, an installation assembly of the presentinvention includes a polymer layer; a release liner adjacent to anadhesion surface of the polymer layer; an intermediate, protective lineradjacent to an opposite, exterior surface of the polymer layer forprotecting the exterior surface as the polymer layer is applied to asurface of a device; and an application liner adjacent to an oppositesurface of the protective liner from the polymer layer.

The protective liner, which may be fully superimposed over the polymerlayer, may have substantially the same lateral dimensions as the polymerlayer. The protective liner may comprise a substantially transparentelement. In some embodiments, the protective liner may bear indicia. Theindicia on the protective liner may facilitate alignment of theprotective liner and, thus, of the polymer layer over a surface of anelectronic device. In addition or as an alternative to facilitatingalignment, the indicia on the protective liner may also provide basicinstructions on applying the polymer layer to the surface of theelectronic device.

While the protective liner may have substantially the same lateraldimensions as the polymer layer, at least one dimension (e.g., length,width, etc.) of the application liner may exceed the correspondingdimensions of the protective liner and the polymer layer. Thus, aportion of the application liner, which is referred to herein as a“peripheral region,” may extend laterally beyond corresponding edges ofthe protective liner and the polymer layer. Each peripheral region ofthe application liner that extends laterally beyond a corresponding edgeof the protective liner and the polymer layer may be located adjacent toa corresponding portion of the release liner.

As suggested, an adhesive on the adhesion surface of the polymer layermay secure the adhesion layer to the release liner. Pressure-sensitiveadhesives on adhesion surfaces of the protective liner may similarlysecure the adhesion surfaces of the protective liner and the applicationliner to exterior surfaces of the polymer film and the protective liner,respectively. In addition, pressure-sensitive adhesives on portions ofthe adhesion surface of the application liner that extend laterallybeyond the protective liner and the polymer layer may secure thoseportions of the application liner to the release liner.

The adhesion surface of each of the polymer layer, the protective liner,and the application liner may be configured to leave little or noadhesive residue on a surface to which it was previously secured. Thus,the adhesion surface of the application liner may be removed from theexterior surface of the protective liner with little or no adhesiveresidue remaining on the exterior surface of the protective liner. Theadhesion surface of the protective liner may be similarly removed fromthe exterior surface of the polymer layer without leaving substantiallyany adhesive residue on the exterior surface of the polymer layer. Theadhesion surface of the polymer layer may likewise be peeled away fromthe release liner or the surface of an electronic device withsubstantially no adhesive residue remaining on the release liner or thesurface of the electronic device. Such selective adhesion may beaccomplished in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to,selecting appropriate adhesive materials, configuring the adhesionsurfaces of the polymer layer, the protective liner, and the applicationliner to retain the adhesive (e.g., with surface roughness or othercharacteristics, etc.) better the surfaces to which these elements willbe applied, the process(es) by which the adhesive materials are appliedto their respective adhesion surfaces, or in any other suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the adhesive material on the adhesion surface ofthe polymer layer may adhere more strongly than the adhesive material onthe adhesion surface of the protective liner, and the adhesive materialon the adhesion surface of the protective liner may have greateradhesive strength than the adhesive material on the application liner.

In addition to the foregoing, embodiments of installation assemblieswith protective liners that are fully superimposed over and havesubstantially the same lateral dimensions as their corresponding polymerlayers may additionally include removal tabs. A removal tab may comprisea film with an adhesion surface that is at least partially coated withan adhesive material. The adhesive material on the adhesion surface of aremoval tab may adhere to the exterior surface of the protective linerwith greater adhesive strength than that of the adhesive that securesthe protective liner to the polymer layer. In some embodiments, theremoval tab may initially be separate from the remainder of theassembly, with a release liner covering the adhesion surface of theremoval tab.

Other embodiments of installation assemblies may include the releaseliner but lack the protective liner.

An installation assembly of the present invention may be manufacturedunder conditions that minimize or eliminate the presence of contaminantson the adhesion surface of the polymer layer, in the adhesive materialthat coats the adhesion surface of the polymer layer, and between theadhesion layer of the polymer layer and a surface protected by thepolymer layer. In some embodiments, some or all of the manufacturingprocesses may be effected in a clean room environment, which may limitthe number of contaminant particles that may be present on the adhesionsurface of the polymer film or within the adhesive material carried bythe polymer film.

The present invention also includes embodiments of methods forprotecting a surface of a device, such as a surface of an electronicdevice. In such a method, an installation assembly with a portion of theapplication liner that extends laterally beyond a corresponding edge ofthe polymer layer may be positioned over the surface that is to beprotected, with the corresponding edge of the polymer layer aligned overa corresponding feature (e.g., an edge of the surface, etc.) of thedevice. The exposed adhesion surface of that portion of the applicationliner may then be secured to the surface of the device, and pressure maybe applied to portions of the application liner superimposed over thepolymer layer to secure the polymer layer to the surface of the device.Pressure may be applied along a pressure front that extends across anentire dimension (e.g., width, etc.) of the polymer layer and move fromone edge of the polymer layer to the other. The pressure front may bemoved in a direction that extends away from the portion of theapplication liner that was initially secured to the device. Movement ofthe pressure front may be continuous. In a specific embodiment, thepressure front may be created with a rigid edge of a squeegee.

In embodiments where the installation assembly lacks a protective liner,further pressure fronts may be applied to the application liner fromsomewhat central locations over the polymer layer and moving overperipheral portions of the polymer layer, toward and over the edges ofthe polymer layer. The application of one or more pressure fronts inthis manner removes air pockets, or bubbles, from between peripheralportions of the polymer layer and the surface to which the polymer layerhas been secured. In a specific embodiment, a flexible surface of asqueegee may be used to remove air pockets, or bubbles, from betweenperipheral portions of the polymer layer and the surface to which thepolymer layer has been applied, while minimizing damage to the polymerlayer.

In other embodiments, i.e., those where the installation assemblyincludes a protective liner, the application liner may be removed fromthe exterior surface of the protective liner. Pressure fronts thatoriginate at somewhat central locations over the polymer layer and movetoward and over peripheral edges of the polymer layer may be applied tothe protective liner to remove air pockets, or bubbles, from betweenperipheral portions of the polymer layer and the surface to which thepolymer layer has been applied. In a specific embodiment, a rigid edgeor a somewhat flexible, resilient edge of a squeegee may be used toapply pressure fronts to the protective liner. Once substantially allair pockets, or bubbles, have been removed from between the polymerlayer and the surface, the protective liner may be removed from thepolymer layer. In embodiments where the protective liner hassubstantially the same lateral dimensions as the polymer layer, anadhesively coated removal tab may be applied over an outer edge of theprotective liner, secured to the protective liner, then pulled away fromthe device to enable removal (e.g., peeling away, etc.) of theprotective liner from the polymer layer. Any remaining air pockets, orbubbles, may diminish over time as the polymer layer relaxes tosubstantially assume its original dimensions.

A kit of the present invention may include at least one installationassembly, a tool for applying a pressure front across the polymer layerof each installation assembly, and instructions for applying the polymerlayer to a surface of a device, such as an electronic device. Thepressure application tool of such a kit may comprise a squeegee. In someembodiments, the squeegee may include both a hard edge and a flexible,resilient edge. The hard edge may be configured for initial applicationof the polymer layer to the surface of the electronic device, while theflexible, resilient edge may be configured to enable the removal of airpockets, or bubbles, from peripheral portions of the polymer layer.

According to another aspect, the present invention includes devices,including, without limitation, electronic devices, with one or moresurfaces that have been covered with a protective film. The protectivefilm may comprise a dry-apply film that lacks air pockets, or bubbles,that are visible (e.g., to the naked eye, without image enhancement,etc.), and that has been applied by a process that will not void anywarranty covering the device.

Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various aspects, ofthe present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art through consideration of the ensuing description, theaccompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a protective film of thepresent invention, which is configured for dry application to a surfaceof an electronic device;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of protective film of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a top view of an embodiment of an installation assemblythat includes a polymer layer comprising the protective film of FIGS. 1and 2, as well as a release liner, a protective liner, and anapplication liner;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of installation assembly shownin FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 5A are respectively a side view and an enlarged, partialside view of the embodiment of installation assembly illustrated byFIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 shows the installation assembly of FIGS. 3-5 from which therelease liner has been partially removed;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of installation assemblythat incorporates teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an embodiment of a process for manufacturing anembodiment of installation assembly, such as that shown in FIGS. 3-6;

FIGS. 13-18 depict an embodiment of a method for installing a protectivefilm on a surface of an electronic device using an embodiment ofinstallation assembly such as that shown in FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of an electronic device including adry-apply protective film on at least one surface thereof; and

FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an embodiment of a tool for applying a pressurefront to a polymer layer of an installation assembly to install thepolymer layer on a surface that is to be protected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a dry-apply polymer layer 30that incorporates teachings of the present invention. The dry-applypolymer layer 30 is also referred to herein as a “polymer layer” for thesake of simplicity, and as a “protective film” once it has been appliedto an electronic device. The polymer layer 30 includes a substantiallyplanar member with an exterior surface 32 and an opposite adhesionsurface 34, which is configured to be secured to a surface of anelectronic device. The adhesion surface 34 carries an adhesive material36, which enables the polymer layer 30 to be secured to the surface ofthe electronic device by a so-called “dry-apply” process, which does notrequire the use of any “wet,” or water-based, chemical solutions.

The polymer layer 30 may include one or more cut-outs extending from theexterior surface 32 to the adhesion surface 34. Each cut-out is definedby an edge of the polymer layer 30. In some embodiments, the edges ofthe polymer layer 30 that define each cut-out are internally confined.In other embodiments, outer edges 31 of the polymer layer 30 may definea cut-out. A cut-out may be configured (e.g., have a shape, position,orientation, etc.) to expose one or more features at the surface that isto be protected (e.g., a speaker, a microphone, a button, a camera lens,etc.).

The polymer layer 30 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Theexterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30 may be configured with afinish that appears (to the so-called “naked eye”, without imageenhancement, etc.) to be smooth (e.g., glossy, etc.), to have a mattefinish, or to have any other desired texture. The exterior surface 32 ofthe polymer layer 30 may include features that provide privacy (e.g.,only allow images to be viewed through the polymer layer 30 within anarrow range of angles around 90°, etc.). The exterior surface 32 may bereflective when viewed at certain angles. In some embodiments, thepolymer layer 30 may include decorative features.

In some embodiments, the polymer layer 30 may include one or morelayers. The material and thickness of each layer may be tailored toprovide the polymer layer 30 with desired characteristics, orproperties, as understood by those of skill in the art.

A variety of materials may be used to form the polymer layer 30. In aspecific embodiment, the polymer layer 30 may comprise a polyurethane. Anumber of polyurethanes may provide desirable protective properties. Inembodiments where the polymer layer 30 is transparent, some of thesepolyurethanes may also impart the polymer layer 30 with desirableoptical properties (e.g., a clarity through which information or imagesmay be viewed with little or no visible (to the naked eye, without imageenhancement, etc.) distortion, etc.). For the sake of simplicity, theterm “polyurethane,” as used herein, includes polymers that includeurethane, or “carbamate,” linkages. A polyurethane may also include urealinkages, as well as combinations of urethane and urea linkages (e.g.,poly(urethane-urea)s). Some polyurethanes that are useful for formingthe polymer layer 30 include backbones in which at least about 80% ofthe linkages are urethane or urea linkages.

Examples of commercially available polyurethanes that may be used toform the polymer layer 30 include, but are not limited to, thosemarketed under the trade names KRYSTALFLEX® by Huntsman Corporation ofAuburn Hills, Mich.; DURAFLEX® and TEXIN® (e.g., the aliphaticester-based polyurethane sold as TEXIN® DP7-3008) by Bayer MaterialScience, LLC, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; ARGOTHANE™ by Argotec, Inc., ofGreenfield, Mass.; and TECOFLEX® (e.g., CLA-93AV) by LubrizolCorporation of Wickliffe, Ohio; as well as polyurethanes marketed byAmerican Polyfilm, Inc., of Branford, Conn., and by Stevens Urethane ofEasthampton, Mass. (e.g., the extrudable aliphatic polyurethanesdesignated SS-1219-92 and SS-2219-92).

In addition or as an alternative to a polyurethane, a polymer layer 30of the present invention may include one or more of a polyvinylchloride, a polyvinyl acetate, a polypropylene, a polyester, apoly(meth)acrylate, a polyethylene, and a rubbery resin (e.g., asilicone elastomer, etc.).

In some embodiments, the adhesive material on the adhesion surface 34has a finish that appears (to the naked eye, without image enhancement,etc.) to be smooth (e.g., glossy, etc.).

The adhesive material 36 carried by the adhesion surface 34 of thepolymer layer 30 may have any suitable thickness. In some embodiments,the adhesive material 36 may be applied to the adhesion surface 34 in afilm that has a thickness of about 5 microns to about 150 microns or,even more specifically, of about 30 microns to about 100 microns.

The adhesive material 36 may substantially lack non-reacted reactivecomponents, such as monomers. In embodiments where the polymer layer 30is transparent, the exclusion of reactive components from the adhesivelayer 36 may impart the adhesive material 36 with optical clarity and,thus, minimize distortion of images that may be viewed through thetransparent polymer layer 30.

The adhesive material 36 may lack components, such as plasticizers, thatmay migrate from the adhesive material 36 and reduce adhesion of thepolymer layer 30 to a surface that is to be protected.

In some embodiments, the adhesive material 36 may comprise apressure-sensitive adhesive. Examples of pressure-sensitive adhesivesthat may be used as the adhesive material 36 include, but are notlimited to, (meth)acrylates (e.g., acrylates, methacrylate, etc.), aswell as adhesives that include chemistries based on natural andsynthetic rubbers, polybutadiene and copolymers thereof, polyisopreneand copolymers thereof, and silicones (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane,polymethylphenylsiloxane, etc.). In a particular embodiment, theadhesive material 36 may include 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate,and polymerized acrylic acid monomers. Such an adhesive material isavailable from entrochem, inc., of Columbus, Ohio, under trade nameENTROCHEM™ -ECA 340.

In other embodiments, the adhesive material 36 may include aheat-activated or a pressure-activated adhesive material.

The adhesive material 36 may also include one or more additives.Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, cross-linkingagents (e.g., aluminum cross-linkers, melamine cross-linkers, etc.).

Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, an embodiment of an installation assembly 10is depicted that includes a polymer layer 30 of the present invention.In addition, the installation assembly 10 includes a release liner 20, aprotective liner 40, and an application liner 50. In sequence from anadhesion surface 14 (FIG. 5) of the installation assembly 10 to anopposite application surface 12 (FIG. 5), the installation assembly 10includes the release liner 20, the polymer layer 30, the protectiveliner 40, and the application liner 50. More specifically, adhesionsurfaces 34, 44, and 54 of the polymer layer 30, the protective liner 40and the application liner 50, respectively, are secured, in sequence, byadhesive materials 36, 46, and 56 to an interior surface 22 of therelease liner 20 and to exterior surfaces 32 and 42 of the polymer layer30 and the protective layer 40.

In the depicted embodiment, the protective liner 40 is completelysuperimposed over the polymer layer 30 and has the same lateraldimensions or substantially the same lateral dimensions (i.e., withinacceptable tolerances, with the exception of any protruding edges ortabs that facilitate removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymerlayer 30, etc.) as the polymer layer 30. The application liner 50, incontrast, has at least one lateral dimension that exceeds acorresponding lateral dimension of the protective liner 40 and thepolymer layer 30. Thus, the application liner 50 includes at least oneperipheral region 58 (FIG. 3) that extends laterally beyondcorresponding outer edges 41 and 31 of the protective liner 40 and thepolymer layer 30, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, peripheralregions 51 of the application liner 50 extend laterally beyond each ofthe four outer edges 41 of the protective liner 40 and beyond each ofthe four outer edges 31 of the polymer layer 30. The release liner 20may have the same lateral dimensions or substantially the same lateraldimensions (i.e., within acceptable tolerances, with the exception ofany protruding edges or tabs that facilitate removal of the protectiveliner 40 from the polymer layer 30, etc.) as the application liner 50.

In such an embodiment, peripheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 54of the application liner 50 are exposed laterally beyond the protectiveliner 40 and the polymer layer 30. Thus, when the elements of theinstallation assembly 10 are assembled, the adhesion surface 34 of thepolymer layer 30 and the peripheral portions 55 of the application liner50 that are exposed laterally beyond the polymer layer 30 are secured tothe interior surface 22 of the release liner 20. This arrangementprotects the adhesive material 36 on the adhesion surface 34 of thepolymer layer 30 during manufacture (e.g., as installation assemblies 10are die cut, etc.), packaging, and storage of the installation assembly10.

Now embodiments of the release liner 20, the protective liner 40, andthe application liner 50 of an installation assembly 10 thatincorporates teachings of the present invention will be described.

The release liner 20 of an installation assembly 10 may comprise a thin,flexible, substantially planar element with an interior surface 22 andan opposite exterior surface 24. The exterior surface 24 is configuredto be located at the adhesion surface 14 of the installation assembly10, while the interior surface 22 is configured to temporarily adhere tothe adhesion surface 34 of the polymer layer 30 and to peripheralportions 55 of the adhesion surface 54 of the application liner 50. In aspecific embodiment, the release liner 20 is formed from paper or apaper-like material (e.g., a sheet formed at least partially frompolymer fibers, etc.). The interior surface 22 of the release liner 20may have a smoothness that minimizes any adhesive material 36 residuethereon as the interior surface 22 is removed from adhesion surface 34of the polymer layer 30. In some embodiments, such smoothness may beachieved by way of a polymer coating on the interior surface 22 of therelease liner 20.

The protective liner 40 includes an adhesion surface 44, which carriesadhesive material 46 and is configured to be temporarily secured to theexterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30. The protective liner 40 isconfigured to prevent damage to the polymer layer 30 as the polymerlayer 30 is secured to the surface of an electronic device. In someembodiments, including those where the polymer layer 30 comprises atransparent element for protecting the surface of a monitor, or displayor screen, of the electronic device, the protective liner 40 may beconfigured to preserve the optical properties of the polymer layer 30during application of the polymer layer 30 to the surface of themonitor, or display or screen.

In some embodiments, the protective liner 40 may have a thickness thatabsorbs and, optionally, distributes potentially damaging forces thatmay be applied to secure the polymer layer 30 to the surface of theelectronic device. Alternatively, or in addition, the protective liner40 may be formed from a material with a hardness that will absorb and/ordistribute forces that may be applied to secure the polymer layer 30 tothe surface of the electronic device, but could otherwise damage thepolymer layer 30.

Although optional, when used, the protective liner 40 may comprise amaterial that may facilitate a differential release between theapplication liner 50 and the polymer layer 30. The inclusion of aprotective liner 40 may be desirable when adhesion between theapplication liner 50 and the polymer layer 30 is stronger than adhesionbetween the polymer layer 30 and the surface that is to be protected.

In some embodiments, the protective liner 40 may comprise a rigid, butflexible, polymeric film. The use of a material that is harder than thematerial of the polymer layer 30 (e.g., harder than a Shore A hardnessof about 90, etc.) may provide a desired balance of adhesion betweenadjacent layers of the installation assembly 10. In specificembodiments, the protective liner 40 may comprise a polyester or apolypropylene. Polyester and polypropylene films are available from avariety of vendors, including, without limitation, E.I. du Pont deNemours and Co. of Wilmington, Del., and Exxon Mobil Corporation ofIrving, Tex.

The adhesive material 46, when carried by the adhesion surface 44 of theprotective liner 40 and secured to the exterior surface 32 of thepolymer layer 30, may have an adhesive strength sufficient to enable theprotective liner 40 to remain in place on the exterior surface 32 of thepolymer layer 30 as the application liner 50 is removed from theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. The adhesive strength ofthe adhesive material 46 on the adhesion surface 44 of the protectiveliner 40 may also enable removal of the protective liner 40 from theexterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30 without overcoming theadhesive strength with which the adhesive material 36 on the adhesionsurface 34 of the polymer layer 30 secures the polymer layer 30 to asurface of an electronic device. Thus, the protective liner 40 may beremoved from the exterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30 withoutpulling the adhesion surface 34 of the polymer layer 30 from the surfaceof the electronic device. In some embodiments, one or more of theadhesive material 46, the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner40, and the exterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30 may beconfigured to enable removal of the protective liner 40 from theexterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30 while leaving little or noresidue of adhesive material 46 on the exterior surface 32.

The application liner 50 includes an adhesion surface 54, which carriesadhesive material 56 and is configured to be temporarily secured to theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. The application liner 50is configured to facilitate alignment of the polymer layer 30 over asurface of an electronic device and to facilitate preliminary or initialadhesion of the polymer layer 30 to the surface of the electronicdevice. In this regard, the application liner 50 may comprise arelatively thin, flexible film of somewhat transparent material.

In a specific embodiment, the application liner 50 may comprise a filmavailable from entrotech, inc., under the trade designation ENTROFILM™.

The adhesive material 56 on the application liner 50, when carried bythe adhesion surface 54 of the application liner 50 and adhered to theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40, may have an adhesivestrength that may enable the application liner 50 to be removed from theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 without overcoming theadhesive strength with which the adhesive material 46 on the adhesionsurface 44 of the protective liner 40 is secured to the exterior surface32 of the polymer layer 30. Thus, the application liner 50 may beremoved from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 withoutremoving the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 from theexterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30. The adhesive material 56,the adhesion surface 54 of the application liner 50, or the exteriorsurface 42 of the protective liner 40, the material from which theprotective liner 40 is formed, or any combination of these features, maybe configured to enable removal of the application liner 50 from theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 while leaving little orno residue of adhesive material 56 on the exterior surface 42.

In a specific embodiment, an adhesive material available from entrotech,inc., under the trade name ENTROCHEM™ may be used as the adhesivematerial 56

In some embodiments, an installation assembly 10 according to thepresent invention may also include a release tab 70, which is configuredto enable removal of the protective liner 40 from the polymer layer 30.The release tab 70, which may initially be separate from the remainderof the installation assembly 10, comprises a substantially planar,somewhat flexible element with an application surface 72 and an oppositeadhesion surface 74. The adhesion surface 74 may carry an adhesivematerial 76. In addition, a backing element 78 may be disposed over theadhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 and secured to the adhesionsurface 74 with the adhesive material 76.

The adhesive material 76 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive, orinclude a pressure-sensitive component, that will secure the release tab70 to the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 when theadhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 is positioned against theexterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 and sufficient pressureis applied to the application surface 72 of the release tab 70. As therelease tab 70 is configured to enable removal of the protective liner40 from the polymer layer 30, one or more of the adhesive material 76,the adhesion surface 74 by which the adhesive material 76 is carried,and the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 may be configuredto effectively impart the adhesive material 76 with an adhesion strengththat exceeds the strength with which the adhesion surface 44 of theprotective liner 40 is secured to the exterior surface 32 of the polymerlayer 30. Conversely, the strength with which the adhesive material 76secures the adhesion surface 74 of the release tab 70 to the exteriorsurface 42 of the protective liner 40 may be insufficient to overcomethe strength with which the adhesive material 36 on the adhesion surface34 of the polymer layer 30 secures the polymer layer 30 to a surface ofan electronic device. Thus, the release tab 70 may enable removal of theprotective liner 40 from the polymer layer 30 without enabling removalof the polymer layer 30 from the surface of the electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 6, in which the release liner 20 has been partiallypeeled away from the remainder of the installation assembly 10, someembodiments of the protective liner 40 may include indicia 47, which maybe visible from the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40. Theindicia 47 may include one or more alignment features 48, one or moreinstructional features 49, or any other features that may facilitate orenable proper application of the polymer layer 30 to the surface of anelectronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia 47 includeboth an alignment feature 48 and instructional features 49 a, 49 b, 49c, and 49 d (collectively, instructional features 49). Morespecifically, the illustrated alignment feature 48 facilitatespositioning of a bottom edge of the protective liner 40 and the adjacentpolymer layer 30 against a bottom edge of a surface of a monitor, ordisplay or screen, of an electronic device to which the polymer layer 30is to be secured, while the instructional features 49 include numbers 49a identifying the order in which various acts are to be carried out, oreffected, as well as textual indicators 49 b and 49 c and graphicalindicators 49 d of the acts that are to be performed. In someembodiments, the indicia 47 may be the same color as the any underlyingelements, which may reduce the visibility of the indicia 47 prior to useof the installation assembly 10 to secure the polymer layer 30 to thesurface of an electronic device.

In other embodiments, indicia 47 may be included on the applicationliner 50 of an installation assembly 10 that incorporates teachings ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of installation assembly 10′ that lacksa protective liner 40 (FIGS. 3-6). In such an embodiment, the adhesivematerial 56 on the adhesion surface 54 of the application liner 50,which is opposite from an exterior surface 52 of the application liner50 secures the application liner 50 directly to the exterior surface 32of the polymer layer 30. A release liner 20 covers the adhesion surface34 of the polymer layer 30, as well as peripheral portions 55 of theadhesion surface 54 that are located laterally beyond outer edges 31 ofthe polymer layer 30, with an interior surface 22 of the release liner20 facing the adhesion surface 34 of the polymer layer 30 and theperipheral portions 55 of the adhesion surface 54 of the applicationliner 50.

Regardless of whether an installation assembly 10, 10′ (or any otherembodiment of an installation assembly) that incorporates teachings ofthe present invention includes a protective liner 40, the additionalapplication liner 50 protects the polymer layer 30 during handling,storage, shipping, and as the polymer layer 30 is applied to a surfacethat is to be protected.

An embodiment of a method for manufacturing an installation assembly 10according to the present invention is illustrated in reference to FIGS.8-12.

Separate rolls (not shown) of a release film 20′, a polymer film 30′, aprotective film 40′, and an application film 50′ may be provided. Eachof the polymer film 30′, the protective film 40′, and the applicationfilm 50′ may include an adhesion surface 34, 44, and 54, respectively,onto which an adhesive material 36, 46, and 56, respectively, has beenapplied.

The release film 20′ and the polymer film 30′ may be formed inenvironments that are free of contaminants (e.g., dust, other particles,etc.) (e.g., in a clean room environment, such as an ISO class 5 cleanroom; in a cleaner environment, such as an ISO class 1 clean room;etc.). In other embodiments, an interior surface 22 of the release film20′ and an adhesion surface 34 of the polymer film 30′ may be cleaned toremove any contaminants before an adhesive material 36 is applied to theadhesion surface 34 and secures the interior surface 22 to the adhesionsurface 34.

The adhesive material 36 may also be manufactured in an environment thatis free of contaminants, or it may be filtered to remove contaminants.The adhesive material 36 may then be applied to the adhesion surface 34of the polymer film 30′ in a contaminant-free environment. In specificembodiments, each cubic meter of adhesive material 36 may include, onaverage, no more than 10⁵ (i.e., 100,000) contaminant particles withdimensions of larger than 0.1 μm; fewer, on average, than 30 contaminantparticles with dimensions of larger than 5 μm; on average, no more thanten (10) contaminant particles with dimensions of larger than 0.1 μm; orno more than an average of two contaminant particles with dimensionslarger than 0.2 μm; etc.

In some embodiments, one or both of the protective film 40′ and theapplication film 50′ may also be contaminant free.

Indicia 47 may be printed onto an exterior surface 42′ of the protectivefilm 40′ in a suitable manner, as shown by FIG. 8.

As illustrated by FIG. 9, the adhesion surface 44′ of a protective film40′, from which the protective liner 40 of the installation assembly 10(FIGS. 3-6) is formed, is brought into contact with, or at least inclose proximity to, an exterior surface 32′ of the polymer film 30′,from which the polymer layer 30 and, ultimately, a protective film areformed. As the adhesion surface 44′ and the exterior surface 32′ arebrought together, the adhesive material 46 on the adhesion surface 44′secures the protective film 40 to the exterior surface 42′ of theprotective film 40′.

One or more polymer layer 30-protective liner 40 laminates may then bedefined from the laminate of the polymer film 30′ and the protectivefilm 40′, as illustrated by FIG. 10. Without limiting the scope of thepresent invention, the polymer film 30′-protective film 40′ laminate maybe die cut, with the resulting polymer layer 30 (and protective liner40) having a desired configuration; e.g., a shape that is designed toprotect a surface of a particular device.

As shown in FIG. 11, each polymer layer 30-protective liner 40 laminatemay be disposed between an interior surface 22′ of the release film 20′and an opposed adhesive material 56-coated adhesion surface 54′ of theapplication film 50′. As pressure is applied to opposite exteriorsurfaces 24′ and 52′ of the release film 20′ and the application film50′, respectively, adhesive material 56 on the adhesion surface 54′ ofthe application film 50′ secures the adhesion surface to the exteriorsurface 42 of each protective liner 40 and to portions of the interiorsurface 22′ of the release film 20′ that are located laterally beyondthe outer edges 31 and 41 of the polymer layer 30 and the protectiveliner 40, respectively. Thus, each polymer layer 30-protective liner 40laminate is captured and secured in place between the release film 20′and the application film 50′.

Thereafter, as illustrated by FIG. 12, the release film 20′ and theapplication film 50′ may be cut (e.g., die cut, etc.) to respectivelydefine the release liner 20 and the application liner 50 of eachinstallation assembly 10 (FIGS. 3-6).

Referring now to FIGS. 13-18, an embodiment of a method for protecting asurface 110 of an electronic device 100 is explained. Without limitingthe scope of the present invention, the electronic device 100 maycomprise a cellular telephone, a digital audio player, a tabletcomputer, an e-reader, a portable computer, a personal data (or digital)assistant, or the like.

In FIG. 13, the release liner 20 is removed from the peripheral portions55 (FIG. 5) of the adhesion surface 54 of the application liner 50 of aninstallation assembly 10, and from the adhesion surface 34 of thepolymer layer 30 of the installation assembly 10 (FIG. 5A). In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, indicia 47 may provide instructions onapplication of the polymer layer 30 to the surface 110 (FIG. 14) of theelectronic device 100.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, an outer edge 31 of the polymer layer 30 maybe aligned with a corresponding feature (e.g., an edge of a surface 110,an edge of a monitor, or display or screen, etc.) on the surface 110 ofthe electronic device 100. With the polymer layer 30 properly aligned, aperipheral region 51 of the application liner 50, which peripheralregion 51 is located laterally adjacent to the outer edge 31 of thepolymer layer 30, may be secured to a corresponding location 112 (e.g. abottom edge of the electronic device 100, as illustrated, etc.) adjacentto the surface 110 of the electronic device 100.

As depicted by FIGS. 15A and 15B, a pressure front 150 (e.g., includinga physical force of about 360 g/cm², etc.) may be established at or justoutside of the outer edge 31 of the polymer layer 30. In the depictedembodiment, the pressure front 150 is substantially linear, although theapplication of pressure fronts of other configurations (e.g., curvedpressure fronts, chevron pressure fronts, etc.) are also within thescope of the present invention. The pressure front 150 may have a widththat is substantially the same as or exceeds a corresponding dimensionof the polymer layer 30. The pressure front 150 may be established bypositioning an edge 210 of a pressure application element 200, such asthe depicted squeegee, against the exterior surface 52 of theapplication liner 50 at the peripheral region 51. Once the pressurefront 150 has been established, the pressure application element 200 maybe moved in a direction 160 (FIG. 15A) transverse (e.g., perpendicular,substantially perpendicular (i.e., such that during linear movement, thepressure front 150 will completely cross a corresponding dimension ofthe polymer layer 30), etc.) to an orientation of the pressure front150. The pressure applied at the pressure front 150 may be constant orsubstantially constant (i.e., sufficient to force the adhesive 36 on theadhesion surface 34 of the polymer layer 30 against the surface 110 ofthe electronic device 100, etc.). Movement of the pressure front 150 maybe continuous or substantially continuous (i.e., varied rate ofmovement, but no stopping until the pressure front 150 has movedcompletely over the polymer layer 30). Such action may adhere theadhesion surface 34 of the polymer layer 30 to the surface 110 of theelectronic device 100 while removing air gaps, or bubbles, includingentrapped air, from between a central region 33 of the polymer layer 30and the surface 110 of the electronic device 100.

With the polymer layer 30 at least partially secured to the surface 110of the electronic device 100, the application liner 50 may be removedfrom over the polymer layer 30, as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the manner in which anyadditionally air gaps, or bubbles, between the polymer layer 30 and thesurface 110 (FIG. 16) of the electronic device 100 to which the polymerlayer 30 has been applied, including entrapped air, may be removed fromlocations that are adjacent to one or more outer edges 31 of the polymerlayer 30. In particular, one or more pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b, etc.,may be applied over the polymer layer 30 at locations between thecentral region 33 of the polymer layer 30 and outer edges 31 of thepolymer layer. The pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b, etc., may be orientedparallel to or substantially parallel to corresponding outer edges 31 ofthe polymer layer 30, over which the pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b, etc.,will move. Once established, each pressure front 170 a, 170 b, etc., maymove in a direction 180 a, 180 b, etc., that extends from an initialposition over the central region of the polymer layer 30 to a terminalposition over or outside of the corresponding outer edge 31.

In embodiments where the installation assembly 10 includes a protectiveliner 40, the pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b, etc., may be applied afterthe application liner 50 has been removed (FIG. 16), in which case theymay be applied directly to and move over the exterior surface 42 of theprotective liner 40. Alternatively, the pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b,etc., may be applied to the exterior surface 52 of the application liner50 (FIGS. 15A and 15B) prior to its removal from the exterior surface 42of the protective liner 40.

In embodiments where an installation assembly 10′ lacks a protectiveliner 40 (FIG. 7), the pressure fronts 170 a, 170 b, etc., may beapplied to the exterior surface 52 of the application liner 50 (FIG. 7)prior to its removal from the exterior surface 32 (FIG. 7) of thepolymer layer 30.

Once all or substantially all of the air gaps, or bubbles, have beenremoved from between the polymer layer 30 and the surface 110 of theelectronic device 100, the protective liner 40, if any, may be removedfrom the exterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 18, removal of the protective liner 40 may be effectedwith a release tab 70 (see also FIG. 5). Specifically, a backing element78 (FIG. 5) may be removed from the adhesion surface 74 of the releasetab 70 to expose the adhesive material 76 on the adhesion surface 74.With the adhesive material 76 exposed, the release tab 70 may bepositioned over the exterior surface 42 of the protective liner 40 at ornear an outer edge 41 of the protective liner 40, then secured to theexterior surface 42 by applying pressure sufficient to the applicationsurface 72 of the release tab 70. The release tab 70 may then be graspedand pulled away from the surface 110 of the electronic device 100, whichalso overcomes the strength with which the adhesive 46 on the protectiveliner 40 secures the adhesion surface 44 of the protective liner 40 tothe exterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30. Thus, as the releasetab 70 is pulled away from the surface 110 of the electronic device 100,it pulls the protective liner 40 with it, removing the protective liner40 from the exterior surface 32 of the polymer layer 30.

An embodiment of the protected electronic device 100′ is shown in FIG.19. Specifically, the electronic device 100′ includes a surface 110 thatis covered by a protective film 130. The protective film 130 has beensecured to the surface 110 using a dry apply process, which eliminatesthe need for wet adhesives that may otherwise void any warranty coveringthe electronic device 100′. In the depicted embodiment, the protectivefilm 130 substantially covers a surface 110 through which a monitor 114,or display or screen, of the electronic device 100′ is visible. Thetransparency of protective film 130 and the adhesive material 36 thatsecures the same to the surface, the lack of any contaminants within theadhesive material 36 or otherwise between the protective film 130 andthe surface 110, the absence of any imperfections in the protective film110 from the installation process, and the lack of any air voids, orbubbles, between the protective film 130 and the surface 110 optimizethe aesthetics of the protective film 130 and enable distortion-freeviewing of the monitor 114.

In the event that, with repeated use of the electronic device 100′, oneor more edges 131 of the protective film 130 peel away from the surface100, the protective film 130 is scratched, or the protective film 130otherwise gains an undesirable appearance, it may be peeled from thesurface 100 and replaced with another protective film 130.

Other surfaces of the electronic device 100 may be covered withtransparent, translucent, and/or opaque protective films in a mannerconsistent with teachings of the present invention.

As indicated previously herein, in some embodiments a tool, such as asqueegee, may be used to apply physical force to a to a polymer film 30to remove air gaps, or bubbles from between the polymer film 30 and thesurface 110 of device 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A-17). The squeegee orother tool may be configured so that width of the surface used to applythe physical force meets or exceeds a width of the polymer layer 30.Such a configuration may facilitate application of substantially equalpressure across a dimension (e.g., a width, etc.) of the polymer layer30 and, thus, may enable air gaps, or bubbles, to be efficiently removedfrom between the polymer layer 30 and the surface 110 to which thepolymer layer 30 has been applied.

In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a tool 200 may include arelatively rigid squeegee 202, which may be used to apply physical forceover the polymer layer 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A-17), as well as arelatively soft squeegee 204. In the depicted embodiment, the relativelyrigid squeegee 202 and the relatively soft squeegee 204 are located atopposite ends of the tool 200.

The relatively rigid squeegee 202 may comprise any suitable materialthat flexes very little or does not flex in response to pressure (e.g.,a force pressure of about 360 grams/cm², etc.) that may be manuallyapplied as the polymer layer 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A-17) is applied tothe surface 110 that is to be protected. Examples of materials that maybe used to form the relatively rigid squeegee 202 include polymers(e.g., nylon, etc.), metals, ceramics, and the like. The relativelyrigid squeegee 202 may be used to provide an initial seal between thepolymer layer 30 and the surface 110 to which the polymer layer 30 isapplied.

The relatively soft squeegee 204 may comprise a flexible material. Thematerial of the relatively soft squeegee 204 may be selected to enablefurther removal of air gaps, or bubbles, from between the surface of thepolymer layer 30 and the surface to which the polymer layer 30 has beenapplied without causing significant damage (e.g., marks, scratches,physical deformations, etc.) to the polymer layer 30. Examples of suchmaterials include, but are not limited to, lubricated elastomers, suchas the polychloroprene sold by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company underthe trade name NEOPRENE®.

The relatively soft squeegee 204 may be used to indirectly or directlyapply pressure to the polymer layer 30 to eliminate any remainingentrapped air voids or bubbles (e.g., those at an outer periphery of thepolymer layer 30, etc.) that may remain between the polymer layer 30 andthe surface 110 to which the polymer layer 30 has been applied.

In a specific embodiment of a tool 200 that incorporates teachings ofthe present invention, the relatively rigid squeegee 202 may comprisenylon, while the relatively soft squeegee 204 may comprise apolychloroprene. To form such a tool 200, the polychloroprene may beco-molded to a portion of a nylon element.

According to another aspect, the present invention includes embodimentsof kits for protecting surfaces. Such a kit includes an embodiment of aninstallation assembly (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-7 and accompanying text) and atool (e.g., the tool 200 shown in and described with reference to FIG.20) for applying pressure over the polymer layer of the installationassembly.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or of any of theappended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to somespecific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the inventionand the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may beemployed in combination. In addition, other embodiments of the inventionmay also be devised which lie within the scopes of the invention and theappended claims. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated andlimited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Alladditions, deletions and modifications to the invention, as disclosedherein, that fall within the meaning and scopes of the claims are to beembraced by the claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An assembly for installing a protective layer on asurface to be protected, comprising: a polymer layer comprising asubstantially planar member including an adhesion surface coated with apolymer layer adhesive material and an exterior surface not coated withan adhesive material, opposite the adhesion surface the polymer layerhaving a shape of a display of an electronic device, a material of thepolymer layer enabling viewing of information or images shown by thedisplay; a release liner including an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, the interior surface of the release liner secured to thepolymer layer adhesive material, an entire outer periphery of therelease liner extending laterally beyond an outer periphery of thepolymer layer; an application liner including an adhesion surface and anexterior surface, an entire outer periphery of the application linerextending laterally beyond an outer periphery of the polymer layer,coextensive with the entire outer periphery of the release liner, anapplication liner adhesive material removably securing the adhesionsurface of the application liner over the exterior surface of thepolymer layer and to portions of the interior surface of the releaseliner located laterally beyond the outer periphery of the polymer layer,the polymer layer and the release liner being visible through theapplication liner.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: aprotective liner comprising a substantially transparent elementincluding an adhesion surface and an exterior surface opposite theadhesion surface, the protective liner superimposed over the polymerlayer and located adjacent to a portion of the adhesion surface of theapplication liner, a protective liner adhesive material securing theadhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of thepolymer layer, the protective liner being formed from a material havinga thickness and/or a hardness that will absorb and distribute forcesapplied to the protective liner to protect the polymer layer while thepolymer layer is secured to the surface of the electronic device, thehardness of the material of the protective liner exceeding a hardness ofthe material of the polymer layer.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, whereinthe application liner adhesive material secures the adhesion surface ofthe application liner to the exterior surface of the protective liner.4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one of the polymer layeradhesive material, the adhesion surface of the polymer layer, and theinterior surface of the release liner enables the polymer layer to beremoved from the interior surface of the release liner while leavingsubstantially no adhesive residue on the interior surface of the releaseliner.
 5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one of the polymerlayer adhesive material and the adhesion surface of the polymer layerenables the polymer layer to be removed from a protected surface whileleaving substantially no adhesive residue on the protected surface. 6.The assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one of the protective lineradhesive material, the adhesion surface of the protective liner, and theexterior surface of the polymer layer enables the protective liner to beremoved from the exterior surface of the polymer layer while leavingsubstantially no adhesive residue on the exterior surface of the polymerlayer.
 7. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the protective liner providesa differential release between the application liner and the exteriorsurface of the polymer layer.
 8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein astrength with which the polymer layer adhesive material will adhere thepolymer layer to a protected surface exceeds a strength with which theprotective liner adhesive material adheres the adhesion surface of theprotective liner to the exterior surface of the polymer layer.
 9. Theassembly of claim 8, wherein the protective liner provides adifferential release between the exterior surface of the polymer layerand the application liner.
 10. The assembly of claim 2, wherein at leastone of the protective liner and the application liner bears at least oneindicium.
 11. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a release tabincluding an adhesion surface and an opposite application surface, theadhesion surface carrying a release tab adhesive material.
 12. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein the release tab enables removal of theprotective liner from the polymer layer.
 13. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the application liner adhesive material secures the adhesionsurface of the application liner directly to the exterior surface of thepolymer layer.
 14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, on average, fewerthan 10 ⁵ contaminant particles with dimensions of larger than 0.1 μmand, on average, fewer than 30 contaminant particles with dimensions oflarger than 5 μm are located between the adhesion surface of the polymerlayer and the interior surface of the release layer.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the polymer layer comprises a plurality of layers. 16.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polymer layer adhesive material issubstantially free of non-reacted reactive components.
 17. The assemblyof claim 16, wherein the non-reacted reactive components comprisemonomers.
 18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the polymer layeradhesive material comprises 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, andpolymerized acrylic acid monomers.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe polymer layer adhesive material includes an average of no more than10⁵ contaminant particles with dimensions of larger than 0.1 μm percubic meter.
 20. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a removaltab protruding from a peripheral edge of the assembly.
 21. An assemblyfor installing a protective layer on a surface to be protected,comprising: a polymer layer comprising a substantially planar memberincluding an adhesion surface and an exterior surface opposite theadhesion surface, a polymer layer adhesive material on the adhesionsurface of the polymer layer, the polymer layer having a shape of adisplay of an electronic device, a material of the polymer layerenabling viewing of information or images shown by the display; arelease liner including an exterior surface and an interior surface, theinterior surface of the release liner secured to the polymer layeradhesive material, an entire outer periphery of the release linerextending laterally beyond an outer periphery of the polymer layer; aprotective liner comprising a substantially transparent elementincluding an adhesion surface and an exterior surface opposite theadhesion surface, the protective liner having the shape of the displayof the electronic device, the protective liner superimposed over thepolymer layer, the protective liner being formed from a material havinga thickness and/or a hardness that will absorb and distribute forcesapplied to the protective liner to protect the polymer layer while thepolymer layer is secured to the surface of the electronic device, thehardness of the material of the protective liner exceeding a hardness ofthe material of the polymer layer, the polymer layer and the releaseliner being visible through the protective liner; and an applicationliner including an adhesion surface and an exterior surface, and anapplication liner adhesive material on the adhesion surface removablysecuring the adhesion surface to the exterior surface of the protectiveliner, over the exterior surface of the polymer layer and to a portionof the interior surface of the release liner located laterally beyondthe outer periphery of the polymer layer, the protective liner, thepolymer layer and the releaser liner being visible through theapplication liner.
 22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein at least one ofthe polymer layer adhesive material, the adhesion surface of the polymerlayer, and the interior surface of the release liner enables the polymerlayer to be removed from the interior surface of the release liner whileleaving substantially no adhesive residue on the interior surface of therelease liner.
 23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein at least one of thepolymer layer adhesive material and the adhesion surface of the polymerlayer enables the polymer layer to be removed from a protected surfacewhile leaving substantially no adhesive residue on the protectedsurface.
 24. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the protective linerfurther includes a protective liner adhesive material securing theadhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of thepolymer layer.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein at least one of theprotective liner adhesive material, the adhesion surface of theprotective liner, and the exterior surface of the polymer layer enablesthe protective liner to be removed from the exterior surface of thepolymer layer while leaving substantially no adhesive residue on theexterior surface of the polymer layer.
 26. The assembly of claim 25,wherein the interior surface of the release liner enables the releaseliner to be removed from the adhesion surface of the polymer layer whileleaving the polymer layer adhesive material on the adhesion surface ofthe polymer layer.
 27. The assembly of claim 24, wherein a strength withwhich the polymer layer adhesive material will adhere the polymer layerto a protected surface exceeds a strength with which the protectiveliner adhesive material adheres the adhesion surface of the protectiveliner to the exterior surface of the polymer layer.
 28. The assembly ofclaim 27, wherein the protective liner provides a differential releasebetween the application liner and the exterior surface of the polymerlayer.
 29. The assembly of claim 25, wherein at least one of the polymerlayer adhesive material and the adhesion surface of the polymer layerenables the polymer layer to be removed from a protected surface whileleaving substantially no adhesive residue on the protected surface. 30.The assembly of claim 21, wherein the protective liner provides adifferential release between the application liner and the exteriorsurface of the polymer layer.
 31. The assembly of claim 21, wherein atleast one of the protective liner and the application liner bears atleast one indicium.
 32. The assembly of claim 21, further comprising: arelease tab including an adhesion surface and an opposite applicationsurface, the adhesion surface carrying a release tab adhesive material.33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the release tab enables removal ofthe protective liner from the polymer layer.
 34. The assembly of claim21, wherein, on average, fewer than 10⁵ contaminant particles withdimensions of larger than 0.1 μm and, on average, fewer than 30contaminant particles with dimensions of larger than 5 μm are locatedbetween the adhesion surface of the polymer layer and the interiorsurface of the release layer.
 35. An assembly for installing aprotective layer on a surface to be protected, comprising: a protectivelayer comprising a substantially planar member including an adhesionsurface and an exterior surface opposite the adhesion surface, with aprotective layer adhesive material on the adhesion surface, the exteriorsurface of the protective layer being non-adhesive, the protective layerhaving a shape of a display of an electronic device, a material of theprotective layer enabling viewing of information or images shown by thedisplay; a release liner including an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, an entire outer periphery of the release liner extending beyondan outer periphery of the protective layer, the interior surface of therelease liner secured to the adhesion surface of the protective layerwith the protective layer adhesive material; and an application linerhaving an adhesion surface and an exterior surface, the applicationliner having substantially the same lateral dimensions as the releaseliner, an application liner adhesive material removably securing theadhesion surface of the application liner over the exterior surface ofthe protective layer and to a portion of the interior surface of therelease liner located laterally beyond the outer periphery of theprotective layer, portions of the application liner extending beyond theprotective layer enabling grasping of the application liner andpositioning of the protective layer over the display of the electronicdevice without contacting the protective layer, the protective layer andthe display of the electronic device being visible through theapplication liner.
 36. The assembly of claim 35, wherein a length of therelease liner and a length of the application liner exceed a length ofthe protective layer.
 37. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the releaseliner and the application liner extend beyond opposite edges of theprotective layer.
 38. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the releaseliner and the application liner are completely superimposed with oneanother.
 39. The assembly of claim 35, further comprising: a protectiveliner including a substantially transparent element with an adhesionsurface and an opposite exterior surface, the protective linersuperimposed over the protective layer and located adjacent to a portionof the adhesion surface of the application liner, the protective linerbeing formed from a material having a thickness and/or a hardness thatwill absorb and distribute forces applied to the protective liner toprotect the protective layer while the protective layer is secured tothe surface of the electronic device, the hardness of the material ofthe protective liner exceeding a hardness of the material of theprotective layer.
 40. The assembly of claim 39, wherein the protectiveliner further includes a protective liner adhesive material securing theadhesion surface of the protective liner to the exterior surface of theprotective layer.
 41. The assembly of claim 39, wherein lateraldimensions of the protective liner are substantially the same ascorresponding lateral dimensions of the protective layer.
 42. Theassembly of claim 41, wherein the protective liner and the protectivelayer are completely superimposed with one another.
 43. The assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the protective layer comprises a plurality of layers.44. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the protective layer adhesivematerial comprises 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, andpolymerized acrylic acid monomers and substantially lacks unreactedreactive species, including monomers.
 45. The assembly of claim 35,wherein the protective layer adhesive material includes an average of nomore than 10⁵ contaminant particles with dimensions of larger than 0.1μm per cubic meter.
 46. The assembly of claim 35, further comprising aremoval tab protruding from a peripheral edge of the assembly.